Local recruitment of Atlantic cod and putative source spawning areas in a coastal seascape

Abstract Increased knowledge on connectivity is crucial to our understanding of the population dynamics, genetic structure, and biogeography many coastal species. In marine populations, main factor for structuring thought be degree isolation confinement, limiting exchange between populations. However, offshore populations use areas as nursery grounds, but venture back natal spawning grounds adults. Therefore, increased ensure correct assessment living resources. Here, we combine assignment data Atlantic cod recruits sampled in 2017 2018 (as 0- 1-group cod, respectively) outer Oslofjord (eastern Skagerrak) with a biophysical model Skagerrak region over time period from settlement 2017. We located most probable locations by “back-tracking” larval drift trajectories found putative source both sides Oslofjord, well potential upstream sources North Sea Kattegat. Findings are discussed regards suitable management strategies restoration